With Pride: Coke Staff Wave the Flag for Diversity and Inclusion

Coca-Cola has a standing history of supporting
inclusion and diversity. We
have long been a strong supporter of the LGBT community and have advocated for
inclusion, equality and diversity through both
our policies and
practices.

Just like our global counterparts, New Zealand is
no exception when it comes to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive
workplace.

If you were at this year’s Auckland Pride Parade
you would have noticed (amongst thousands of supporters, vibrant costumes and
booming music) over sixty Coke NZ staff, families and friends parading down
Auckland’s vibrant Ponsonby Road with a three piece band, hoola-hoops and retro
bikes in tow.

For the first time, Coke NZ chose to participate in
the parade to show their ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in the
workplace. As well as a sign of support to the local LGBTI community, it was
ultimately a celebration of embracing differences, coming together and having
fun.

Heidi Somerville, Coca-Cola Marketing Manager and
‘parader’, said “to be here tonight celebrating that [diversity] is really just
a great thing” with Design Studio Manager, Ryz De La Vega, adding “we stick
together, I love it!”

Coca-Cola South Pacific Business Unit President,
Roberto Mercade, said “Coke’s participation in the parade reflects the
company’s enduring commitment to support diversity and inclusivity”.

Martin King, General Manager Human Resources at
CCANZ was also “really proud” to be at the parade, saying “I feel really proud
to be here, making a difference with diversity”.

The parade came only one day after CCANZ was
awarded with their official Rainbow Tick certification, following their accreditation last
September. Received through an in-depth audit process, the accreditation is a
“confidence mark” recognising businesses as being expressly inclusive of the
LGBTI community. CCANZ was the first FMCG organisation in New Zealand to
receive the tick.